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Objective: The main objective of this study was to utilize eye-tracking technology and self-report measures to test the effectiveness of varying strengths of fear appeals when educating about the seriousness of depression and motivate depressed individuals to engage in health-information-seeking.Methods: We analyzed data from 117 university employees affected by a range of depression symptoms who were randomly assigned to a low-threat, moderate threat, and high-threat message condition in a lab-based experimental setting. Attention patterns were captured while participants viewed the health message. A particular emphasis was placed on understanding the role of valence and arousal in determining attention patterns.Results: Attentional processes induced emotions (valence) and intensity (arousal) and differed by strength of fear appeal, but were not influenced by symptoms of depression in this study. Arousal mediated the effects of strong fear appeals on attitudes toward information-seeking, whereas negative emotions did not.Conclusion and Practice Implications: Until further research suggests otherwise, caution is warranted when utilizing fear appeals that are highly arousing for health education and promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telehealth usage for healthcare encounters has increased dramatically due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) precautions. As the pandemic health threat subsides, it is important to understand how telehealth encounters are perceived by users. In this study, we explore how patient-centered communication (PCC), and media and organizational factors, influence patients' intentions to use telehealth in the future. An online survey was conducted among 326 adult patients who reported visiting a healthcare provider using telehealth within the past 12 months. Structural equation modeling explored how contextual factors influenced patients' adoption of telehealth. PCC and ease of use indirectly predicted telehealth adoption through enhanced patient satisfaction and sense of care continuity. Sense of security indirectly predicted telehealth adoption via its association with enhanced rating of care quality. The functionality of telehealth technology does not solely determine patients' telehealth adoption. Instead, positive healthcare experiences, facilitated by organizational support, quality media designs, as well as patient-centered communication, are associated with telehealth adoption. Healthcare providers should strategically improve telehealth-related communication processes that can lead to better patient health outcomes. • Telehealth functionality is not solely responsible for telehealth adoption. • Organizational support is associated with telehealth adoption. • Patient-centered communication is associated with telehealth adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]